With the satisfaction generated by the fulfillment of "the main objectives identified for this event, we reiterate our gratitude to all those who contributed to guarantee our presence", as a result of the priority assigned to it in the midst of the well-known limitations.
So reads the Cuban Declaration to the II Junior Pan American Games, recently concluded in the Paraguayan city of Asuncion, in which the future of the country's sport finished in seventh place, with 19 gold, 13 silver and 15 bronze medals.
"Despite dropping from fifth place in the Cali-Valle-2021 version, when our medal tally totaled 29 golds, 19 silvers and 22 bronzes, the overall balance is in line with expectations, given the combination of factors such as the non-invitation of sports that then contributed, the absence due to illness or injury of figures called to prevail and the prevailing level in the fight," the text highlights.
Beyond considering positive the balance of podiums, and the medal placement, the Delegation considers that the purpose of evaluating outstanding exponents of our reserve was achieved, and it is very important the conquest of 17 places for the Pan American Games of Lima-2027: 16 individual and one collective.
These places were secured by athletics (8), wrestling (3), canoeing (1), judo (1), weightlifting (1), taekwondo (1), diving (1) and volleyball (1).
"We are proud to affirm that the will to win, discipline and sporting shame always prevailed, and once again the value of the alliances of our technical collectives with the scientific collaboration network of the organization and other institutions was demonstrated, this time with additional weight, to mitigate the shortcomings that affected the preparation", stands out in the text.
It also considered that, despite logical dissatisfactions, not always resulting from objective situations, the experience ratifies the soundness of the structure of the Cuban sports system, hit in many areas by the economic, commercial and financial blockade sustained by the United States, from where - in addition - is designed and ensures the subversive machinery that pays special attention to this sector.
It makes a special mention for canoeist Yisnoly Lopez, who "returns home as our top medalist, with three crowns (c1-200 m, c2-500 and c2-500 mixed) and a bronze (c1-500); the coronation of freestyle wrestler Yaynelis Sanz (57 kg), also queen four years ago, the quartet of records for the Games imposed in athletics, and the new national record in swimming."
"Just days away from the beginning of the school year, when classrooms and training scenarios for sports education will be active again, our eyes are now focused on the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, always proud of the privilege of representing Fidel's Cuba, which made sports a right of the people as part of the work of which we are the fruits," the Delegation assured.
